If you are affected by stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, try mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR ). This intensive eight week course can transform your relationship with stress, improve your health, and increase your enjoyment of life. The next course begins in Knocknacarra on Tuesday evenings from April 15. There will also be a day-long introduction to mindfulness on April 27.
The eight week course is modelledonthe internationally recognised stressreduction programme established by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of MassachusettsMedical Centre. Mr Kabat-Zinn developed MBSR to help people deal with physical andpsychological problems including anxiety and depression.
Much of our emotional distress involves thoughts, feelings, and fantasies about the past and the future. Ruminating endlessly over work, money, friends, and family is futile. This type of fretting simply gives a false sense of being in control. In fact, mentally gnawing over problems actually intensifies stress.
Mindfulness is a particular way of relating to our experiences that allows us to become free of u n n e c e s s a r y entanglements and to live more fully in the present. And it is a skill that can be learned. Each class teaches mind/body practices to become more ‘embodied’ in our life experience.
Anyone can benefit; there are no pre-requisite skills needed – only your commitment. Mindfulness is not suitable for those whoarecurrently depressed, but if you have recovered from depression the course will teach you the skills you need to stay well. Mindfulness is not easy, and it is not a quick fix, but the benefits are cumulative and can be life changing.
The course will be facilitated by Carmel Sheridan, a psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher. For details, visit www.mindfulnessgalway.ie or call 086 8185974.
